Former Phillie Urbina released from jail, reportedly back in baseball

After serving 7 1/2 years in prison for the attempted murder of five workers on his family's ranch in Venezuela, the AP has reported that Urbina returned to baseball.

Before taking the field to play for the Lions of Caracas, Urbina reportedly described himself as "more mature" and said he was "very excited to play baseball again."

"I'm excited to be here," Urbina told reporters at the University Stadium in Caracas, where the Lions played the Zulia Eagles.

The 38-year-old pitcher was released from prison on Sunday after serving roughly half of his 14-year sentence for attempted murder during a dispute over a gun on Oct. 16, 2005.

Urbina was found guilty of attacking and injuring workers with a machete. Several other men participated in the attack at his family's ranch.

Urbina has repeatedly denied being involved in the incident that sent him in prison.

Although Urbina pitched in the big leagues from 1995 to 2005 and saved 237 games, the last team he played for was the Phillies. Urbina came to Philadelphia along with Ramon Martinez in exchange for Placido Polanco in June 2005.

In 56 games that year with Philadelphia, Urbina was 4-3 with a 4.13 ERA in 52 1/3 IP.

Urbina reportedly told reporters he hopes to play professional baseball in the United States again.